Michael Ingham has warned Mart Poom that he will have competition for Sunderland's No.1 shirt next season.

Michael Ingham has warned Mart Poom that he will have competition for Sunderland's No.1 shirt next season.

With Jurgen Macho set to join Chelsea in July, Thomas Sorensen expected to depart for pastures new and Thomas Myhre handed a free transfer, Northern Ireland Under-21 international goalkeeper Ingham will climb the pecking order at the club and will be vying with Estonian Poom for first team duties.

Poom is likely to start the season as first choice but Ingham, who had loan spells with Stockport, Darlington and York last season, could find himself adding to the solitary League Cup appearance he has so far made for the Black Cats.

He said: "I have been crying out for games for the last two years and I managed to play 21 times for the three clubs I went on loan to last year.

"I needed the experience and I have gained a lot of confidence from being involved.

"There have been a lot of keepers at Sunderland and it has been frustrating at times when new lads have come in and I've taken a step back as a result.

"But I think I've shown what I'm capable of last season and with a number of people expected to leave this summer, next season could be my chance to make an impact."

Ingham joined Sunderland from Irish side Cliftonville for #30,000 in 1999 and he played no part as Sunderland dropped out of the Premiership last season but he is hoping to help the Black Cats regain their Premiership status at the first attempt.

He said: "We have to write off last season and start afresh. The gaffer will want players to be up for the new season and bouncing when we come back to pre-season.

"Next year will be my fifth season at the club and a lot of the Sunderland fans won't know a lot about me but hopefully I can show them my best and we can get out of the First Division quickly."